Network system, printer, and information memory medium

ABSTRACT

The invention provides connecting a printer to one network, and by so doing, significantly improving its functionality as compared to a condition in which it is not connected. The network system includes a client printer and a server device which are connected through a communication line. The client printer performs an ability information inquiry to other devices on the network. Furthermore, based upon ability information which is obtained from the other devices, virtual device information in which the functionality of the printer is improved, is disclosed to a PC. The PC transmits printing data to the client printer and performs a printing request, based upon the virtual printer information. The client printer which has received the printing request which exceeds its own original ability determines a server device from which to request processing, based upon the ability information. Furthermore, the printer requests the server device to process the printing data, receives the processed printing data, and performs printing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a printer that requests anotherdevice on a network to process printing data that will be printed byitself, and a network system that includes the printer, and aninformation memory medium to control the printer.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Usually, there are many cases that a printer has a low processingability. Because of this, there are many cases that a printer driver ofa computer performs processing, such as image processing, or the like,creates printing data that is printable by the printer, and allows theprinter to print the printing data.

[0005] However, because the computer needs to implement a program forimage processing, which has a high processing requirement, the computerhas a large processing load. Because of this, a computer with a lowprocessing ability takes more time for image processing and printingdoes not start immediately.

[0006] Furthermore, the speed at which the computer transmits printingdata to the printer is affected by the printing speed of the printer.That is, there are problems such that a subsequent operation will notstart until the computer sends all the printing data to the printer, orthat the performance of the subsequent operation significantlydeteriorates.

[0007] For example, a laser printer has printer memory for one page,while an ink jet printer only has printing memory for one line. Becauseof this, when printing is performed by an ink jet printer, there wereproblems such that the computer cannot be immediately released from thetransmission processing, the subsequent applications cannot be smoothlyoperated, and the response of the computer is delayed.

[0008] Moreover, the command(s) which a printer can process is/areusually fixed. Because of this, a computer has to prepare a command (acommand or a page command to control printing such as ESC/P, Postscript,or the like) according to the particular printer. Therefore, data cannotbe printed to a printer which does not correspond to a command which aprinter driver of the computer can prepare.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] By reflecting upon these problems, the present invention connectsa printer to one network, and by so doing, significantly improves theprinter's functionality as compared to the state in which it is usedwithout being connected. Specifically, the present invention provides anetwork system, printer and an information recording medium to control aprinter, which can shorten the transmission time of printing data,increase the releasing speed of computer, relieve the processing of theprinter driver of the computer, allow rapid printing even with acomputer with a low processing ability, and respond to various kinds ofprinter commands.

[0010] The network system of the present invention includes a printerwhich can receive printing commands of a computer, and at least oneother device. The printer has an ability information inquiry unit toinquire concerning ability information including at least one of memorycapacity, a processing relating to a printer language, image processing,and an image processing execution environment, from other devices whichare connected to the network, a virtual printer informationdetermination unit which determines whether another or at least oneother device is available to support a functional upgrade of the printeritself based upon the ability information which was transmitted from theother devices connected to the network in response to the inquiry forthe ability information, and determines its printer's own virtualprinter information, and a virtual printer information disclosing unitwhich discloses the virtual printer information to the computer. Theother device includes an ability information reply unit that replieswith ability information including at least one of the memory capacityof the machine, processing relating to a printer language, imageprocessing, and image processing execution environment, to the printer.

[0011] Furthermore, the printer of the present invention is a printerwhich can receive printing commands of a computer which is connected toa network system including at least one other device, and has an abilityinformation inquiry unit which inquires concerning ability informationincluding at least one of memory capacity, processing relating to aprinter language, image processing, and image processing executionenvironment, from other devices which are connected to the network. Theprinter also includes a virtual printer information determination unitwhich determines whether another device is available to support afunctional upgrade of the printer itself, based upon the abilityinformation which was transmitted from other devices which are connectedto the network in response to the inquiry for the ability information,and determines its own virtual printer information, and a virtualprinter information disclosing unit which discloses the virtual printerinformation to the computer.

[0012] Furthermore, the information memory medium of the presentinvention is an information recording medium on which is recordedinformation to control a printer which can receive printing commands ofa computer and which is connected to a network system that includes atleast one other device. The recorded information includes informationfor inquiring about ability information including at least one of memorycapacity, processing relating to a printer language, image processing,and image processing execution environment, from other devices which areconnected to the network, information to determine whether anotherdevice is available to support a function upgrade of the printer itselfbased upon the ability information which was transmitted from the otherdevices determine its own virtual printer information, and virtualprinter information to disclose to the computer.

[0013] The printer discloses virtual printer information, showing how itoperates on the network, to the computer. This virtual printerinformation is information which incorporates the ability of otherdevices which are connected to the network in addition to the originalability of the machine. Therefore, the computer can request printingprocessing to a printer with an improved ability. Because of this, ithas an effect of reducing the limitations on when the computer sendsprinting data to the printer.

[0014] Here, image processing includes processing to convert the RGBcomponents of the image data to CMYK, rendering processing to developcharacters and lines into a bit map, and color conversion processing toconvert colors in response to printing to various printers. The imageprocessing ability includes the ability relating to the environment andexecution program that executes processing to convert the RGB componentsto CMYK, rendering processing, and color conversion processing.

[0015] The ability relating to the image processing executionenvironment mainly refers to an environment for executing imageprocessing and includes a memory capacity, which can execute an imageprocessing program, OS environment, and CPU processing ability. Theprocessing relating to the printer language includes at least one of asupporting printer language and printer language conversion program.

[0016] In the network system or the virtual printer informationdetermination unit of the present invention, when another device whichis connected to the network has a conversion function to convert atleast one of a printer language and a given printer command into atleast one of a printer command and a printer language that can beprocessed by the printer, virtual printer information is determined thatindicates that at least one of the given printer command and printerlanguage, can be processed. The virtual printer information disclosingunit then discloses the determined virtual printer information to thecomputer.

[0017] Thus, a printer can disclose the virtual printer informationindicating that it can process another printer language, as well as itsown executable printer language, to the computer. Because of this, thecomputer will have more degrees of freedom when the printer language tobe used is selected. Therefore, for example, a computer can select aprinter language among the virtual printer information in which thetransmission time is the shortest.

[0018] The printer of the network system of the present invention has aprocessing requesting which, when a printing request containing printingdata which was received from the computer exceeds the originalprocessing ability of the printer to which the request was made,determines a server device to which to transmit the received printingdata, based upon the ability information which was transmitted fromother devices, and transmits the printing data to the server device inreal time. A transmission requesting unit requests the transmission ofprinting data from the server device after the given processing, and aprinting controller which controls printing, based upon receivedprinting data that has undergone the given processing. The server deviceperforms the given processing on the printing data which was received bythe printer and has a server processor which transmits printing dataafter the given processing to the printer in response to thetransmission request from the printer.

[0019] The printer of the present invention has a processing requestingunit which, when the printing request containing printing data which isreceived by the computer exceeds the original processing ability of themachine, based upon the ability information which was transmitted byother devices, determines a server device to which to transmit thereceived printing data and transmits the printing data to the serverdevice in real time and requests a given processing. The printer alsoincludes a transmission requesting unit which requests the transmissionof printing data from the server device after the given processing, anda printing controller which controls printing, based upon receivedprinting data that has undergone the given processing.

[0020] Based upon the virtual printer information which the printerdisclosed, the computer transmits printing data to the printer. Aprinter which receives printing data which exceeds the processingability of the printer determines a server device from which to requestprocessing which exceeds the original processing ability of the printer,transmits the printing data to the server device, and requestsprocessing.

[0021] According to the present invention, as the printer requestsprocessing from another server device which is connected to a network,it is possible to realize functions which exceed the original ability ofthe machine. Therefore, it is possible to significantly improve thefunctionality of the printer without expensive upgrades to the printeritself. Furthermore, because the computer can improve the ability of theprinter which outputs printing commands, printing limitations on thecomputer decrease.

[0022] In the network system of the present invention, the givenprocessing includes conversion processing to convert the printing datawhich was received by the computer to printing data which is appropriatefor the printer. The processing requesting unit determines a serverdevice to perform conversion processing, based upon printing data whichwas received from the computer and the ability information relating to aprinter-related function including at least one of processing relatingto a printer language, and image processing. The server processorincludes a conversion processor to convert the printing data which isreceived by the printer to printing data which is appropriate for theprinter.

[0023] In the printer of the present invention, the given processingincludes conversion processing to convert the printing data which wasreceived by the computer to printing data which is appropriate for theprinter itself. The processing requesting unit determines a serverdevice to perform conversion processing, based upon printing data whichwas received from the computer and the ability information relating to aprinter related function including at least one of processing relatingto a printer language, and image processing.

[0024] Based upon the virtual printer information which the printerdiscloses, the computer transmits printing data to the printer. Aprinter which receives printing data in which appropriate imageprocessing has not been performed, or printing data which cannot beprinted by the original processing ability of the printer, determinesanother server device from which to request conversion processing toconvert the data into appropriate printing data from the receivedability information. The printing data is then transmitted to the serverdevice and processing is requested.

[0025] By using its own processing program, the server device convertsthe received printing data to printing data which is appropriate for theprinter to print. Thus, the printer which receives the convertedprinting data performs printing.

[0026] According to the present invention, as the printer requestsprocessing from another server device(s) which is/are connected to anetwork, it is possible to realize a function which exceeds theprinter's original processing ability. For example, while a printer canusually only process fixed printer commands, if there is a printinglanguage which cannot be processed by the printer, it is possible toprint data by having a conversion performed by another device.Furthermore, because the ability of a printer to which the computeroutputs printing commands can be improved, printing limits on thecomputer decrease.

[0027] When the given processing is requested, the processing requestingunit of the network system of the present invention transmits its owndevice information to the server device. The conversion processorconverts the printing data to printing data which is appropriate for theprinter, based upon the device information.

[0028] The processing requesting unit of the printer of the presentinvention transmits its own device information to the server device whenthe given processing is requested. The device information may beinformation to specify a machine type of the printer, and it may alsobe, for example, the ID of the printer.

[0029] In the network system of the present invention, the givenprocessing includes memory processing which stores the printing datawhich was received from the computer. The processing requesting unitdetermines a server device to perform the memory processing, based uponthe ability information relating to memory capacity. The serverprocessor receives printing data which was transmitted from the printerand has a memory processor which stores the received data in its ownmemory.

[0030] In the printer of the present invention, the given processingincludes memory processing which stores the printing data which wasreceived from the computer. The processing requesting unit determines aserver device to perform the memory processing, based upon the abilityinformation relating to memory capacity.

[0031] For example, an ink jet printer has a printing memory for onlyone line. Because of this, in general, when data is transmitted from acomputer to a printer, the computer has to perform a transmissioncorresponding to the printing speed of the printer. Therefore, therelease speed of the computer can be delayed. For example, a subsequentapplication cannot be smoothly operated, and/or the computer reactioncan be delayed.

[0032] However, in the present invention, because the printer transmitsthe received data to a server device with a large memory capacity, whenthe computer transmits data, the computer is not limited by the printingspeed of the printer. Because of this, the time period of thetransmission of data to the printer by the computer can be shortened andthe speed of releasing the computer can be improved.

[0033] The network system or the processing requesting unit of theprinter of the present invention stores printing data which istransmitted by the computer until its printing memory no longer hasspace. When there is no longer space in its own printing memory, thereceived printing data is transmitted to the server device in real time.The transmission requesting unit requests the transmission of printingdata which it previously transmitted to the server device, according tospace in the printing memory due to printing. The printing controllersequentially receives printing data which was previously transmitted,performs control so as to store the data in its own printing memory, andexecutes printing simultaneously with the transmission of printing datafrom the server device.

[0034] According to the present invention, printing data which cannot besaved in the printing memory of the printer due to space availability istransmitted to the server device and is received again as soon as theprinting memory is available for printing. Therefore, it is possible toshorten the processing time because printing data is transmitted to theserver device as it is being printed.

[0035] In the network system of the present invention, the givenprocessing includes image processing of the printing data which wasreceived from the computer. The printer further has an image processingprogram memory which stores an image processing program to perform imageprocessing on the printing data which is appropriate to its own device.The processing requesting unit determines a server device with anexecution environment for the image processing, based upon the abilityinformation relating to the image processing execution environment, andtransmits the image processing program to perform image processing ofthe printing data to the server device. The server processor receivesthe image processing program to perform image processing of the printingdata which was transmitted by the printer, and includes an imageprocessing execution unit to perform image processing of the printingdata by using the image processing program.

[0036] In the printer of the present invention, the given processingincludes image processing of the printing data which was received fromthe computer, the printer further includes an image processing programmemory which stores an image processing program to perform imageprocessing on the printing data which is appropriate to its own device.The processing requesting unit determines a server device with an imageprocessing execution environment based upon the received abilityinformation.

[0037] Image processing, such as rendering processing and colorconversion processing vary, depending upon the printer device.Therefore, if a server device to which processing was requested is madeto have an image processing program, memory efficiency is unfavorablebecause the server device must have a large amount of image processingprograms corresponding to all the devices.

[0038] Therefore, memory efficiency is better when the client side whichrequests processing, has the best image processing program for itselfand hands over the data and the image processing program together whenrequesting processing.

[0039] Here, image processing includes processing to convert the RGBcomponents of the image data to CMYK, rendering processing to developcharacters and lines to a bit map, and color conversion processing toperform color conversion according to the printer type.

[0040] “Image data” refers to data showing the content which isdisplayed, for example, on a display screen, and includes text data. Itincludes data to which none of conversion from RGB to CMYK, renderingprocessing, and image processing, such as color conversion, have notbeen performed, and also includes data to which some or all of the aboveprocessing have been performed.

[0041] It is also acceptable for the computer to perform imageprocessing by observing the virtual printer information of the printer,creating printing data including printer commands or the like, andtransmitting the printing data to the printer. Furthermore, if theprinter has an image processing ability, it is also acceptable totransmit the image data to the printer prior to performing imageprocessing.

[0042] Furthermore, if a server device has the same image processingprogram as the image processing program which the printer is about totransmit, it is acceptable to have a structure in which the versioninformation is checked, and, for example, when it is indicated that theversion information of the image processing program with the printer isnewer, to transmit the program.

[0043] When the printer of the network system of the present inventionis itself connected to the network, when a new device is connected tothe network, and/or when there is an ability information inquiry fromthe computer, the ability information inquiry is performed with respectto other devices which are connected to the network.

[0044] When the printer is connected to the network, by performing aninquiry, it is possible to display virtual printer information promptlyto the computer. When a new device is connected to the network, byperforming an inquiry, it is possible to display virtual printerinformation which incorporates the ability of the new device, displayingthe latest virtual printer information.

[0045] The printer of the network system of the present invention or theprinter of the present invention has an ability information memory whichstores the ability information in relation to each device on thenetwork.

[0046] By so doing, when the ability information of the other serverdevices is needed, it is possible to obtain the necessary abilityinformation by simply referring to the ability information memory.Therefore, inquiries are not needed and the processing time can beshortened.

[0047] In the network system or the printer of the present invention,the printing data includes image data, or image data and printercommands.

[0048] The printer of the present invention further includes an abilityinformation reply unit which, in response to the ability informationinquiry from another device connected to the network regarding at leastone of memory capacity, processing relating to the printer language,image processing, and image processing execution environment, replieswith ability information to the printer regarding at least one of itsown memory capacity, processing related to the printer language, imageprocessing, and image processing environment. The printer also includesa server processor which performs given-processing of printing datareceived from another printer which is connected to the network andtransmits the processed printing data to the other printer in responseto a transmission request from the other printer.

[0049] According to the present invention, the printer can be used as aserver device as needed.

[0050] The server processor of the printer of the present inventionincludes a conversion processor which converts the printing data whichis received from another printer to printing data which is appropriatefor the other printer. The conversion processor converts the printingdata to printing data based upon the device information which wasreceived from the other printer.

[0051] The server processor also includes a memory processor whichreceives printing data which was sent by the printer and stores the datain its own memory, and an image processing execution unit which receivesthe printing data and image processing program which are sent by theother device and performs image processing on the printing data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network system related to the firstembodiment;

[0053]FIG. 2 is a diagram of the network system of the first embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the client printer of the firstembodiment;

[0055]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the server device of the firstembodiment;

[0056]FIG. 5 is a diagram of a detailed operation example of the firstembodiment;

[0057]FIG. 6 is a diagram of a detailed operation example of the firstembodiment;

[0058]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a detailed operation of the presentinvention;

[0059]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a detailed operation of the presentinvention;

[0060]FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining a detailed operation of thepresent invention;

[0061]FIG. 10 is a diagram of the network system of the secondembodiment;

[0062]FIG. 11 is a diagram of the network system of the secondembodiment;

[0063]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the client printer of the secondembodiment;

[0064]FIG. 13 is block diagram of the server device of the secondembodiment;

[0065]FIG. 14 is a diagram of a detailed operation example of the secondembodiment;

[0066]FIG. 15 is a diagram of the network system related to the thirdembodiment;

[0067]FIG. 16 is a diagram of the network system of the thirdembodiment;

[0068]FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the client printer of the thirdembodiment; and

[0069]FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the server device of the thirdembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Next, the present invention is described in detail, based uponthe figures.

[0071] (1) First Embodiment

[0072] A characteristic of the present invention is to improve thefunctionality related to a printer by connecting the printer to anetwork. This functionality can be realized for a printer (hereafterreferred to as a client printer) which receives a printing command froma personal computer (hereafter referred to as PC) requests anotherdevice on the network to perform conversion processing on the printingdata which is appropriate for the printer, receives the converted dataand performs printing.

[0073]FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary structure of the first embodimentof the printer of the present invention, and a network system to whichthe printer is connected. The network system 10 of the presentembodiment is connected to a plurality of servers 20 a and 20 b and aplurality of printers 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, or the like through thecommunication line 12. Furthermore, there are also printers, such as 40d, which are directly connected to the server 20 b. Moreover, thestructure is such that the printers 40 can be increased as needed withrespect to the communication line 12 and the server 20.

[0074] In addition, the network system 10 is connected to PC 14 throughthe communication line 12. The PC 14 has access to an external networksystem, such as the Internet through the communication line 12 and canreceive information data, such as characters, still images, movingimages, and sound. Furthermore, the PC 14 can also receives image datathrough various inputting/outputting media, or receive image datadirectly.

[0075] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 40 awhich is connected to the network system performs a printer-relatedability information inquiry 110 regarding at least one of processingrelated to the printer language and image processing with regard to theother devices 20 a, 20 b, 40 b, 40 c, or the like, which are connectedto the network. The other devices 20 a, 20 b, 40 b, 40 c or the like,which are connected to the network reply with the printer-relatedability information 112 in response to the printer's 40 a abilityinformation inquiry.

[0076] Based upon the ability information 112 which is sent from theother devices which are connected to the network in response to theability information inquiry of the printer-related functions, theprinter 40 a determines whether one or more other devices which supportan improvement of its own functions is available, and determines its ownvirtual printer information. Furthermore, the virtual printerinformation 114 is disclosed in response to a request from PC 14.

[0077] When PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 114 anddetermines that it is possible to print information, as shown in FIG. 2,the printing data 100 including a printer command which was created byits own printer driver is transmitted to the printer 40 a. The printer40 a which receives the printing data 100 determines a server devicefrom among a plurality of printers 40 and servers 20 which performsprocessing to convert the received printing data 100 to printing data102 which is appropriate for its own printer. For example, when theserver 20 a is determined as the server device, the printer 40 atransmits the printing data 100 to the server 20 a and requestsconversion processing. When the printing data 100 is received, theserver 20 a performs conversion processing. Furthermore, in response toa transmission request from the printer 40 a, the server 20 a transmitsthe converted printing data 102 to the printer 40 a. The printer 40 areceives the converted printing data 102 performs a printing output.

[0078]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a device which functions as aclient printer, such as the printer 40 a. The client printer of thepresent embodiment is formed by a signal input/output unit 42 which isconnected to the communication line 12, a calculation processor 41 whichis formed by using a CPU or the like, a program memory 48 in which aprogram to operate as a printer, such as an ESC/P processing program isstored, a printing memory 50 to store the printing data 100 which istransmitted from PC 14, a printer information memory 52 in which an IDto specify a model number (type of machine name) of its own printer isstored, an ability information memory 62 in which information regardingat least one of the memory capacity of other devices on the network,their processing relating to the printer language, their imageprocessing, and their image processing execution environment is stored,and a printing unit 46 which performs actual printing based upon theprinting data.

[0079] The calculation processor 41 is operated based upon the programwhich is stored in the program memory 48 and functions as an abilityinformation inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determinationunit 72, a virtual printer information disclosing unit 74, a processingrequesting unit 76, a transmission requesting unit 78, and a printingcontroller 44.

[0080] The ability information inquiry unit 70 inquires about theability information regarding at least one of the memory capacity, theprocessing relating to the printer language, the image processing, andthe image processing execution environment with respect to other devicesconnected to the network. Furthermore, the ability information fromother devices that is received in response to the inquiry is stored inthe ability information memory 62. Furthermore, inquiries are performedwhen the client printer itself is connected to the network and/or when anew device is connected to the network.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the ability information inquiry unit70 inquires about ability information relating to printer-relatedfunctions, including at least one of processing relating to theprinter.language and image processing, from other printers on thenetwork, and the ability information memory 62 stores the abilityinformation relating to the printer-related functions.

[0082] The virtual printer information determination unit 72 determineswhether other devices which support an improvement of its ownfunctionality are available, based upon the ability information whichwas transmitted from the other devices which are connected to thenetwork in response to the ability information inquiry, and determinesits own virtual printer information.

[0083] The virtual printer information disclosing unit 67 discloses thevirtual printer information 114 in response to a request from the PC 14.

[0084] When the printing request containing the printing data which isreceived from the PC 14 exceeds the original processing ability of themachine, the processing requesting unit 76 determines a server device towhich to transmit the printing data which was received, based upon theability information which is stored in the ability information memory62. Furthermore, the printing data and the device information of themachine are transmitted to the server device in real time, and the givenprocessing is requested. In the present embodiment, the given processingis conversion processing to convert the printing data which was receivedfrom PC 14 to printing data which is appropriate for the client printer.Because of this, the processing requesting unit 76 determines a serverdevice to perform conversion processing to convert the data to printingdata which is appropriate for the client printer, based upon theprinting data which was received from PC 14 and the ability informationconcerning the printer-related functions.

[0085] The transmission requesting unit 78 requests the server device totransmit the processed printing data. The printing controller 44 writesprinting data which is transmitted from the server device to theprinting memory 50, which functions as a buffer, and is structured so asto sequentially print out the data by controlling the printing unit 46.

[0086]FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a device which functions as aserver device, such as the server 20 a. The server device of the presentembodiment is structured by a signal input/output unit 22 that performsthe communication of the data through the communication line 12, acalculation processor 24 which is structured by using a CPU, or thelike, a program memory 26 in which various operation programs arestored, a processing data memory 28 which stores at least one ofprocessed printing data and printing data for which a processing requesthas been received from the client printer, and an ability informationmemory 30 which stores printer ability information unique to varioustypes of printers.

[0087] In the present embodiment, at least one of printing data forwhich a conversion request is received from the client printer andprocessed printing data, is stored in the processing data memory 28.

[0088] In the program memory 26, a program is stored which performsprocessing relating to a printer language for printing data to which thedata conversion processing was requested, and data conversionprocessing, such as image processing.

[0089] Here, in the ability information memory 30, version informationof the program which was stored in the program memory 26 and a printerID, or the like, which is the device information to specify a type ofprinter corresponding to the program, is stored. The ID which is thedevice information to specify a type of printer corresponding to theprogram, is the device information of a printer which is appropriate forprinting the processed data if it is an image processing program, and isthe device information, or the like, of the printer which can print byprinting data using the printer commands, if it is printer languageconversion processing.

[0090] The calculation processor 24 is operated based upon the operationprogram which is stored in the program memory 26 and functions as theability information reply unit 32 and the server processor 34.

[0091] In response to the ability information inquiry from the clientprinter, the ability information reply unit 32, replies with abilityinformation regarding at least one of its own memory capacity,processing concerning the printer language, image processing, and imageprocessing execution environment, to the client printer.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the ability information of the printerrelated function, which is stored in the ability information memory 30,including at least one of image processing and processing relating tothe printer language, is replied to the client printer. The abilityinformation of the printer-related function is, for example, versioninformation, information concerning availability of a program whichperforms image processing, and processing relating to the printerlanguage, or the like.

[0093] The server processor 34 performs processing of the printing datawhich is received from the client printer and controls so as to transmitthe printing data that has undergone the given processing, to theprinter in response to the transmission request from the printer.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the conversion processor 35 whichperformed the given processing is included. Based upon the printerdevice information and the printing data, the conversion processor 35refers to the ability information memory 30 and determines a programwhich is used for conversion processing of the printing data which wasreceived by the client printer. Furthermore, by using an appropriateprogram which is stored in the program memory 26, conversion processingis performed on the printing data.

[0095] Next, further detailed operation examples of the printer and thenetwork system 10 of the present embodiment are explained. FIGS. 5 and 6are diagrams of the further operation examples of the printer and thenetwork system 10 of the present embodiment. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 areflowcharts explaining the operation of the printer of the presentembodiment. Furthermore, the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show theprinting operation when the printer functions as both a client printerand as a server device. Because of this, the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8and 9 show the printing operation in which the printer behaves like aclient printer and a server device.

[0096]FIG. 5 is an example in which the client printer determines thevirtual printer information and discloses it to PC 14. The printer 40 awhich becomes a client printer is, for example, an ESC/P printer (i.e.,its own original ability). In this instance, prior to being connectingto the network, the printer functions as an ESC/P printer only.Therefore, when the PC 14 wants to print to the printer 40 a, it isnecessary to transmit printing data that includes printer commands whichthe ESC/printer can process.

[0097] However, by connecting the printer 40 a to the network 10, it ispossible to disclose the virtual printer information, with the improvedfunctionality to the PC 14. The operation of the printer 40 a when thedetermination and disclosure of the virtual printer information isperformed, is shown in flows 1000 and 1010 of FIG. 7.

[0098] {circumflex over (1)} First of all, the ability informationinquiry unit 70 of the printer 40 a performs the printer-related abilityinformation inquiry to other devices on the network (step S11).

[0099] {circumflex over (2)} The printer 40 a obtains the abilityinformation from other devices on the network in response to the inquiry(step S12). For example, in FIG. 5, ability information is obtainedindicating that the server 20 a has a processing program (P1) to convertprinting data corresponding to PS to printing data corresponding toESC/P and a processing program (P2) to convert printing datacorresponding to PS to printing data corresponding to ESC/page, theprinter 40 b has a processing program (P3) to convert printing datacorresponding to ESC/page to printing data corresponding to ESC/P, andthe printer 40 c has a processing program (P4) to convert printing datacorresponding to PCL to printing data corresponding to ESC/page.

[0100] {circumflex over (3)} Based upon the ability information of theprinter-related function, the virtual printer information determinationunit 72 of the printer 40 a determines whether other devices thatsupport an improvement of the functionality of the machine areavailable, and determines the printer's own virtual printer information(step S13). In FIG. 5, the printer 40 a is an ESC/P printer, so if aprocessing program to convert a given printer command, a printerlanguage, or the like, to printing data corresponding to ESC/P isavailable, virtual printer information is determined which indicatesthat it is a printer which can process the given printer command,printer language, or the like. Therefore, according to the processingprogram (P1) and the processing program (P3), the printer 40 a candetermine virtual printer information indicating that it can function asa PS printer and as an ESC/page printer.

[0101] {circumflex over (4)} Then, if there is an inquiry of theprinter-related function ability information from PC 14, the virtualprinter information is disclosed to PC 14 (steps

[0102] In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which a server device isrequested to convert printing data which was received from the clientprinter PC 14, and the converted printing data is printed out.

[0103] The operation of the printer 40 a when the conversion request isperformed is shown in the flow 1100A of FIG. 8, the operation of aserver device which has received a conversion request is shown in 2000Ain FIG. 9, and the operation to print the converted data by the printer40 a, is shown in the flow 1120 of FIG. 8.

[0104] {circumflex over (1)} Based upon the function of its own printerdriver and the virtual printer information of the printer 40 a, PC 14determines a printer command when printing data is transmitted to theprinter 40 a.

[0105] {circumflex over (2)} The printing data including a printercommand is created in the printer driver and is transmitted to theprinter 40 a. For example, printing data which can be printed by anESC/page printer is transmitted.

[0106] {circumflex over (3)} The printer 40 a which has received theprinting data determines whether the received printer command is acommand which the printer 40 a can directly print. Here, the printer 40a can only print when the printing data corresponding to ESC/P isreceived.

[0107] {circumflex over (4)} However, because the information which hasbeen received is printing data which can be printed by an ESC/pageprinter, it cannot be directly printed. Therefore, based upon theability information, the processing requesting unit 76 determines aserver device from which to request conversion processing to convert theprinting data corresponding to ESC/page to printing data which can beprinted by the ESC/P printer, and requests conversion processing bytransmitting its own device information and the printing data which wasreceived, to the server device. Here, conversion processing is requestedby transmitting data to the printer 40 b with a processing program (P3)to convert the printing data corresponding to ESC/page to printing datacorresponding to ESC/P (steps S50-S54).

[0108] {circumflex over (5)} The conversion processor 35 of the printer40 b, which is the server device to which the conversion processing isrequested, determines conversion processing using the processing program(P3), based upon the printer device information and the printing datawhich were transmitted from the printer 40 a. Conversion processing inwhich the printer 40 a converts the received printing data to printingdata which can be directly printed, is performed by using the processingprogram (P3). Here, the printing data corresponding to ESC/page isconverted to printing data corresponding to ESC1 P (steps S62-S66 ofFIG. 9).

[0109] {circumflex over (6)} Moreover, the conversion processor 35transmits the converted printing data to the printer 40 a in response toa transmission request (step S56 of FIG. 8) from the transmissionrequesting unit 78 of the printer 40 a.

[0110] {circumflex over (7)} The printer 40 a which receives theconverted printing data performs printing, based upon the printing data(steps S39, S49 of FIG. 8).

[0111] According to the present embodiment, the printer 40 a disclosesvirtual printer information to PC 14, showing how it can function on thenetwork. The virtual printer information incorporates the ability of theother devices connected to the network, in addition to its own originalability. Because of this, by connecting the printer to the network, itis possible to improve its functionality beyond its original ability.

[0112] Furthermore, by requesting processing from other server deviceswhich are connected to the network, the client printer can realize afunctionality beyond its own original ability. Thus, the printer'sfunctionality is significantly improved without making additionalexpenditures to the printer itself. Moreover, for the server device, anydevice that functions as a server device, for example, a server or aprinter, is acceptable.

[0113] Furthermore, PC 14 can request printing processing from anupgraded printer. Because of this, there is effectiveness such thatlimits can be reduced when the computer transmits printing data to theprinter.

[0114] (2) Second Embodiment

[0115] The characteristic of the present embodiment is to improve thefunctions concerning memory capacity by connecting the printer to thenetwork. The functions can be realized by a printer (hereafter referredto as a client printer) which has received a printing command from apersonal computer (hereafter referred to as PC) requests printing datamemory processing of received printing data to another device (hereafterreferred to as a server device) on the network, then receives the datawhich is stored in the server device, and performs printing.

[0116]FIGS. 10 and 11 show a schematic structure of the secondembodiment of the printer of the present invention, and a network systemto which the printer is connected. The equipment structure in FIGS. 10and 11 is basically the same as the one in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the client printer which has receiveda printing command from PC 14 performs processing to transfer printingdata to a server device with a large memory capacity, in which theprinting data which was received, is stored. Therefore, a device with alarge memory capacity in which the printing data which is received canbe stored must be connected to the network system.

[0118] The client printer is defined as the printer 40 a. As shown inFIG. 10, the printer 40 a performs an ability information inquiry 120concerning the memory capacity with respect to other devices 20 a, 20 b,40 b, 40 c, or the like, which are connected to the network. The otherdevices 20 a, 20 b, 40 b, 40 c, or the like, which are connected to thenetwork reply with ability information 122 concerning their own memorycapacities to the printer 40 a in response to an ability informationinquiry.

[0119] Based upon the ability information which is transmitted from theother devices concerning the memory capacity, the printer 40 adetermines a server device from which to request memory processing withsufficient memory capacity to store printing data which is transmittedfrom PC 14. The server device is defined as 20 a. Furthermore, virtualprinter information 124 indicating the memory capacity of the serverdevice 20 a as the memory capacity which can be stored by the printer 40a itself, is disclosed to the PC14.

[0120] When PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 124 anddetermines that it is possible to print data at high speed, as shown inFIG. 11, the printing data 100 including a printer command which wascreated by the PC's own printer driver, is transmitted to the printer 40a. Furthermore, for the convenience of explanation, it is assumed thatthe printing data is transmitted that includes a printing command whichcan be printed according to the original ability of the printer 40 a.

[0121] The printer 40 a which has received the printing data 100transfers the received printing data to the server 20 a and requestsmemory processing.

[0122] When the server 20 b receives the printing data 100, it storesthe data in its own memory. Moreover, in response to a transmissionrequest from the printer 40 a, the printing data 100 is transmitted tothe printer 40 a. The printer 40 a prints out the received printing data100.

[0123]FIG. 12 shows a functional block diagram of a device whichfunctions as a client printer, such as the printer 40 a. In FIG. 12, thesame numbers are used for parts with the same function as in thefunction block diagram of the client printer of FIG. 3.

[0124] The client printer of the present embodiment is structured by asignal input/output unit 42 which is connected to the communication line12, a calculation processor 41 which comprises a CPU, or the like, aprogram memory 48, a printing memory 50, a printer information memory52, an ability information memory 62, and a printing unit 46 whichperforms the actual printing based upon the printing data.

[0125] Here, the printing memory 50 stores the printing data for onlyone line, for example, when the client printer is an ink jet printer.The printing memory 50 stores the printing data for one page, as in thecase of a laser printer.

[0126] The calculation processor 41 is operated based upon a programwhich is stored in the program memory 48, and functions as an abilityinformation inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determinationunit 72, a virtual printer information disclosing unit 74, a processingrequesting unit 76, a transmission requesting unit 78, and a printingcontroller 44.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the ability information inquiry unit70 inquires about ability information concerning the memory capacitywith respect to other devices on the network, and the abilityinformation memory 62 stores ability information concerning the memorycapacity.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the given processing which theprocessing requesting unit 76 requests is memory processing which storesthe printing data which was received from PC 14. Because of this, theprocessing requesting unit 76 determines a server device from which torequest memory processing, based upon the received ability information.

[0129] Furthermore, when printing and transmission of printing data tothe server device are simultaneously performed, the processingrequesting unit 76 stores printing data which was transmitted from thePC 14 until there is no space in its own printing memory 50, and whenthere is no space in its own printing memory 50, it is controlled so asto transfer the printing data which is received to the server device inreal time. Furthermore, in response to emptiness of the printing memory50 due to printing, the transmission requesting unit 78 requests thetransmission of the printing data which it previously transmitted, tothe memory processing device. Furthermore, the printing controller 44sequentially receives the printing data which was previously transferredand controls the data so as to store the data in its own printingmemory.

[0130]FIG. 13 shows a functional block diagram of a device whichfunctions as a server device, such as the server 20 b. In FIG. 13, thesame numbers are used for elements with the same functions as in thefunction block diagram of the server device of FIG. 4.

[0131] The server device of the present embodiment is structured by asignal input/output unit 22 which communicates data through thecommunication line 12, a calculation processor 24 which comprises a CPUor the like, a program memory 26, a processing data memory 28, and anability information memory 30.

[0132] The processing data memory 28 stores printing data for which amemory request has been received. The ability information memory 30stores ability information concerning its own memory capacity. Thecalculation processor 24 contains an ability information reply unit 32and a server processor unit 38.

[0133] The ability information reply unit 32 replies with abilityinformation concerning its own memory capacity which is stored in theability information memory 30, to the client printer in response to anability information inquiry concerning the memory capacity from theclient printer.

[0134] The server processor 34 includes a memory processor 37, storesprinting data which has been transmitted by the client printer to theprocessing data memory 28, and transmits the printing data which isstored to the client printer in response to a transmission request fromthe client printer.

[0135] Next, by using FIG. 14 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9,further detailed operation examples of the printer and the networksystem 10 of the present embodiment are explained. FIG. 14 is a diagramexplaining a more detailed operation example of the printer and thenetwork system 10 of the present embodiment.

[0136] In FIG. 14, the printer 40 a which becomes a client printer is anink jet printer and has a printer memory which only stores the printingdata for one line. In this case, the PC can only transmit printing dataaccording to the printing speed of the printer 40 a, so that the releaseof the PC is delayed.

[0137] However, as the printer 40 a requests storage of the receivedprinting data from a memory processing device on the network 10, the PCcan perform the transmission of data regardless of the printing speed ofthe printer 40 a. The operation of the printer 40 a when it determinesthe server device from which to request memory processing and performsthe memory request, is shown in the flow 1000 of FIG. 7, flows 1112 and1114 of FIG. 8, and 2000B of FIG. 9. Furthermore, the operation of aserver device which has received the memory request is shown in 2000C ofFIG. 9.

[0138] {circumflex over (1)} First of all, the ability informationinquiry unit 70 of the printer 40 a performs an ability informationinquiry concerning the memory capacity with respect to other devices onthe network. (The same processing can be performed by step S11 of FIG.7.)

[0139] {circumflex over (2)} The ability information inquiry unit 70receives the ability information from the other devices on the networkin response to the inquiry, and the processing requesting unit 76determines a server device to which to transfer printing data, basedupon the ability information (steps S12 and S13 of FIG. 7). Here, theserver 20 a is determined as the server device.

[0140] {circumflex over (3)} PC 14 transmits printing data including aprinter command, to allow the printer 40 a to directly print accordingto its own original abilities.

[0141] {circumflex over (4)} The processing requesting unit 76 of theprinter 40 a transfers the printing data which was transmitted by PC 14to the server 20 a, which is a server device (step S48 of FIG. 8).Furthermore, when printing and transmission of the printing data to theserver device are simultaneously performed, the processing of the flow1114 of FIG. 8 is performed.

[0142] {circumflex over (5)} The server device processor 38 of theserver 20 a which has received a memory request, receives printing datawhich is transmitted by the printer 40 a, stores the data in theprocessing data memory 28, and transmits the printing data to theprinter 40 a in response to a transmission request from the printer 40 a(flows 2000C and 2000D of FIG. 9).

[0143] {circumflex over (6)} The printer 40 a which receives theprinting data from the server device, performs printing of the printingdata (2000B of FIG. 9). Furthermore, when printing and transmission ofthe printing data to the memory processing device are simultaneouslyperformed, printing of the first part of the printing data which is nottransferred to the server device is performed in steps S40, S42, and S44of FIG. 8.

[0144] According to the present embodiment, by requesting memoryprocessing from another server device which is connected to the network,the client printer can realize a function beyond its own original memorycapacity, and a printer can be realized in which the function issignificantly improved with respect to the memory capacity withoutincreasing the cost of the printer itself.

[0145] In addition, PC 14 can request printing processing from a clientprinter in which a memory capacity is improved. Because of this, PC 14is not limited to the printing speed of the client printer. Therefore,transmission of data from the PC 14 to the client printer can beshortened making it possible to speed up the release of the PC 14.

[0146] (3) Third Embodiment

[0147] A characteristic of the present embodiment is to improve afunction concerning an image processing execution environment byconnecting a printer to a network. The function can be realized as aprinter (hereafter referred to as a client printer) which receives aprinting command from a personal computer (hereafter referred to as PC),transmits its own image processing program along with received printingdata to another device on the network (hereafter referred to as a serverdevice) that has an image processing execution environment, requestsimage processing, receives the processed data, and performs printing.

[0148] The difference between the present embodiment and the firstembodiment in which image processing is requested from a server device,is that the client printer transmits the image processing program alongwith the printing data.

[0149]FIGS. 15 and 16 show the structure of the third embodiment printerrelated to the present invention, and a network system which isconnected to the printer. The equipment structure of the presentembodiment is basically the same as the one in FIGS. 1 and 2.Furthermore, a device with an image processing execution environmentwhich can function as a server device is required to be on the network.

[0150] A client printer is defined as printer 40 a. As shown in FIG. 15,the printer 40 a performs an ability information inquiry 130 regardingan image processing execution environment with respect to other devices20 a, 20 b, 40 b, 40 c, or the like, which are connected to the network.In response to the ability information inquiry, the other devices 20 a,20 b, 40 b, 40 c, or the like, which are connected to the network, replywith their own ability information 132 concerning image processingexecution environment to the printer 40 a.

[0151] Based upon the received ability information, the printer 40 adetermines a server device with an environment which can execute imageprocessing of the printing data which was transmitted by PC 14. Theserver device is defined as server 20 a. Furthermore, the printer 40 adiscloses virtual printer information 134 to PC 14, indicating that itcan perform image processing which is appropriate to its own printer.

[0152] When PC 14 receives the virtual printer information 134 anddetermines that it is possible to perform image processing in theprinter 40 a, as shown in FIG. 16, the printing data 104 including theimage data prior to image processing is transmitted to the printer 40 a.

[0153] The printer 40 a which receives the printing data 104 transfersthe printing data which was received and the image processing program106 to the server 20 a and requests image processing.

[0154] When the server 20 b receives the printing data and the imageprocessing program 106, image processing is performed and the processedprinting data 108 is transmitted to the printer 40 a. The printer 40 aperforms printing, based upon the printing data 108 which is received.

[0155]FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a device which functions as a clientprinter, such as the printer 20 a. In FIG. 17, the same numbers are usedfor elements with the same function as in the function block diagram ofthe client printer of FIGS. 3 and 12.

[0156] The client printer of the present embodiment comprises a signalinput/output unit 42 which is connected to the communication line 12,calculation processor 41 comprising a CPU, or the like, a program memory48, a printing memory 50, a printer information memory 52, an abilityinformation memory 62, a printing unit 46 which performs printing basedupon the printing data, and an image processing program memory 60.

[0157] Here, the image processing program memory 60 stores an imageprocessing program which performs image processing which is appropriatefor the printer 20.

[0158] Based upon the program which is stored in the program memory 48,the calculation processor 41 is operated and functions as an abilityinformation inquiry unit 70, a virtual printer information determinationunit 72, a virtual printer information disclosing unit 74, a processingrequesting unit 76, a transmission requesting unit 78, and a printingcontroller 44.

[0159] In the present embodiment, the ability information inquiry unit70 inquires about ability information concerning the image processingexecution environment from other devices on the network, and the abilityinformation memory 62 stores the ability information concerning theimage processing execution environment.

[0160] In the present embodiment, the given processing that is requestedby the processing requesting unit 76 is image processing of the printingdata which was received from PC 14. Because of this, based upon theability information concerning the image processing executionenvironment, the processing requesting unit 76 determines a serverdevice with a sufficient image processing execution environment toperform the image processing. Furthermore, the printing data which isreceived from PC 14 and the image processing program which is stored inthe image processing program memory 60 are transferred to the serverdevice in real time and image processing is requested.

[0161] Furthermore, when the server device has the same image processingprogram as the image processing program which the printer is about totransmit, it is acceptable to have a structure in which the versioninformation is checked, and a transmission only performed, for example,when the version information of the image processing program of theprinter is shown to be newer.

[0162]FIG. 18 shows a functional block diagram of a device whichfunctions as a server device for image processing, such as the server 20b. In FIG. 18, the same numbers are used for elements with the samefunction as in the function block diagram of the server device of FIGS.4 and 13.

[0163] The server device of the present embodiment comprises a signalinput/output unit 22 which performs communication of data through thecommunication line 12, a calculation processor 24 which comprises a CPU,or the like, a program memory 26, a processing data memory 28, an imageprocessing program memory 36, and an ability information memory 30. Theprocessing data memory 28 stores the printing data for which an imageprocessing request has been received, and the processed printing data.

[0164] The image processing program which is transmitted from the clientprinter is stored in the image processing program memory 36. The abilityinformation memory 30 stores ability information concerning the server20 b's own image processing execution environment. The calculationprocessor 24 contains an ability information reply unit 32 and a serverprocessor 34.

[0165] In response to an ability information inquiry from the clientprinter, the ability information reply unit 32 replies with its ownability information concerning the image processing executionenvironment, which is stored in the ability information memory 30.

[0166] The server processor 34 contains an image processing executionunit 39, that performs image processing of the printing data using theimage processing program which was received from the client printer, andtransmits the processed printing data to the client printer in responseto a transmission request from the client printer.

[0167] According to the present embodiment, PC 14 can request printingfrom a printer which is improved in terms of the image processingexecution environment. Because of this, it is not necessary to performan image processing with a high processing load on the PC side.Therefore, it is possible, even with a printer with low processingability, to start printing quickly without spending time for imageprocessing.

[0168] Furthermore, because the client printer transmits the imageprocessing program which is appropriate for its own device to anotherserver device which is connected to the network and requests imageprocessing execution, memory efficiency is better compared to the casewhen the server device has the image processing programs correspondingto all the devices.

[0169] Furthermore, needless to say, it is acceptable to implement theembodiments individually, or to combine the embodiments. When combiningthe embodiments, the client printer discloses the printer relatedfunction, the function concerning the memory capacity, and the functionconcerning the image processing execution environment, to the PC asvirtual printer information, and performs conversion processingrequests, memory processing requests, and image processing executionrequests, to the server devices on the network as needed.

[0170] Moreover, in the embodiments, examples of providing a clientprinter and a server device within the network system 10 are explained.Furthermore, when a printer with a sufficiently high ability exists, itis also acceptable that the system 10 is structured so that the printerfunctions as a server device.

[0171] Thus, if the printer functions as a client printer in addition toa server device, the printer can function as a client printer and/or asa server device, as needed. Furthermore, the flowcharts of the operationof the printer shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing theoperation when the printer functions both as a client device and aserver device. Moreover, the printer does not have to be an exclusiveprinter, and may be any device with a printing function.

[0172] The network system of the present invention is not limited to theembodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network system, comprising a printer, thatreceives printing commands from the network, and at least one otherdevice, the printer comprising: an ability information inquiry unit thatqueries other devices connected to the network concerning abilityinformation including at least one of memory capacity, processingrelating to a printer language, image processing, and image processingexecution environment; a virtual printer information determination unitthat determines whether another device connected to the network improvesthe printer's functionality, based upon the ability informationtransmitted from the other devices connected to the network in responseto the ability information inquiry, the virtual printer informationdetermination unit determining the printer's own virtual printerinformation based on the improved functionality; and a virtual printerinformation disclosing unit which discloses said virtual printerinformation to the network; the other devices connected to the networkcomprising: an ability information reply unit that replies with abilityinformation to the printer in response to the ability informationinquiry, the ability information including at least one of the otherdevice's own memory capacity, processing relating to a printer language,image processing, and image processing executing environment, wherein,when another device which is connected to the network has a conversionfunction to convert at least one of a given printer command and aprinter language to at least one of a printer command and a printerlanguage which can be processed by the printer, the virtual printerinformation determination unit determines virtual printer informationindicating that at least one of the given printer command and theprinter language can be processed by the printer, allowing the printerto receive converted printing data and perform printing based on theconverted printing data, and the virtual printer information disclosingunit discloses the determined virtual printer information to thenetwork.
 2. The network system as set forth in claim 1, the printerfurther comprising: a processing request unit, that upon receiving arequest for printing of printing data that exceeds the printer'soriginal processing ability, determines a server device to which totransmit the printing data based upon the ability information which wastransmitted from the other devices, transmits the printing data to theserver device in real time, and requests a given processing; atransmission requesting unit that requests transmission of printing datathat has undergone the given processing from the server device; and aprinting controller that controls printing of the printing data that hasundergone the given processing; the server device comprising: a serverprocessor that performs the given processing on the printing data whichis received from the printer and transmits printing data that hasundergone the given processing to the printer in response to thetransmission request from the printer.
 3. The network system as setforth in claim 2, the given processing comprising: conversion processingto convert the printing data into printing data that may be processedand printed by the printer, wherein the processing requesting unitdetermines the server device to perform the conversion processing basedupon the printing data received and on the ability information relatingto printer related functions including at least one of processingrelating to the printer language and image processing; the serverprocessor further comprising: a conversion processor to convert theprinting data received from the printer into printing data that may beprocessed and printed by the printer.
 4. The network system as set forthin claim 3, wherein the processing requesting unit transmits theprinter's own device information to the server device when theconversion processing is requested, and the conversion processorconverts the printing data into printing data that may be processed andprinted by the printer, based upon the device information.
 5. Thenetwork system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the given processingincludes memory processing that stores the printing data received fromthe network, the processing requesting unit determines a server deviceto perform the memory processing based upon the ability informationrelating to the memory capacity, and the server processor includes amemory processor that receives the printing data transmitted from theprinter and stores the printing data into memory.
 6. The network systemas set forth in claim 5, wherein the processing requesting unit storesthe printing data transmitted from the computer to a printing memory,but if the printing memory is full, the processing requesting unittransfers the printing data to the server device in real time, then,when the printing memory is no longer full, the transmission requestingunit requests transmission of the printing data that was transmitted tothe server device, and the printing controller controls a sequentialreception of the printing data, stores the printing data in its ownprinting memory, and instructs the printer to print the printing datasimultaneously with the transfer of printing data by the server device.7. The network system as set forth in claim 2, the given processingcomprising: image processing of the printing data that is received fromthe network; the printer further comprising: an image processing programmemory that stores an image processing program that performs imageprocessing on the printing data so that the printing data may beprocessed and printed by the printer, wherein the processing requestingunit determines a server device with an execution environment for imageprocessing based upon the ability information relating to the imageprocessing execution environment, and transmits the printing data andthe image processing program to the server device; the server processorfurther comprising: an image processing execution environment thatreceives the printing data and the image processing program transmittedfrom the printer, and performs image processing of the printing datausing the image processing program.
 8. The network as set forth in claim1, wherein the printer queries other devices connected to the networkconcerning ability information when at least one of the followingsituations occur: 1) when the printer is connected to the network, 2)when a new device connected to the network, or 3) when there is anability information inquiry.
 9. The network system as set forth in claim1, the printer further comprising: an ability information memory thatstores ability information for each device connected to the network. 10.The network system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the printing datacomprises image data, or image data and a printed command.
 11. Aprinter, that receives printing commands from a network and is connectedto the network system that includes at least one other device,comprising: an ability information inquiry unit that queries otherdevices connected to the network concerning ability informationincluding at least one of memory capacity, processing relating to aprinter language, image processing, and image processing executionenvironment; a virtual printer information determination unit thatdetermines whether there is another device connected to the network thatimproves the printer's functionality based upon the ability informationwhich was transmitted from the other devices connected to the network inresponse to the ability information inquiry, the virtual printerinformation determination unit determining the printer's own virtualprinter information based on the improved functionality; and a virtualprinter information disclosing unit that discloses the virtual printerinformation to the network, wherein, when another device which isconnected to the network has a conversion function to convert at leastone of a given printer command and a printer language to at least one ofa printer command and a printer language which can be processed by theprinter, the virtual printer information determination unit determinesvirtual printer information indicating that at least one of the givenprinter command and the printer language can be processed by theprinter, allowing the printer to receive converted printing data andperform printing based on the converted printing data, and the virtualprinter information disclosing unit discloses the determined virtualprinter information to the network.
 12. The printer as set forth inclaim 11, further comprising: a processing requesting unit that uponreceiving a request for printing of printing data that exceeds theprinter's original processing ability, determines a server device towhich to transmit the printing data based upon the ability informationtransmitted from the other devices, transmits the printing data to theserver device in real time, and requests a given processing; atransmission requesting unit that requests transmission of the printingdata that has undergone the given processing from the server device; anda printing controller that controls printing of printing data that hasundergone the giving processing.
 13. The printer as set forth in claim12, the given processing comprising: conversion processing to convertthe printing data into printing data that may be processed and printedby the printer, wherein the processing requesting unit determines aserver device to perform conversion processing based upon the printingdata received and upon the ability information relating toprinter-related functions, including at least one of processing relatingto a printer language and image processing.
 14. The printer as set forthin claim 13, wherein the processing requesting unit transmits theprinter's own device information to the server device when the givenprocessing is requested.
 15. The printer as set forth in claim 12, thegiven processing comprising: memory processing that stores the printingdata which is received from the network, wherein the processingrequesting unit determines a server device to perform the memoryprocessing, based upon the ability information relating to the memorycapacity.
 16. The printer as set forth in claim 15, wherein theprocessing requesting unit stores the printing data transmitted from thecomputer to a printing memory, but if the printing memory is full, theprocessing requesting unit transfers the printing data to the serverdevice in real time, then, when the printing memory is no longer full,the transmission requesting unit requests transmission of the printingdata that was transmitted to the server device, and the printing data inits own printing memory, and instructs the printer to print the printingdata simultaneously with the transfer of printing data by the serverdevice.
 17. The printer as set forth in claim 12, the given processingcomprising: image processing of the printing data that is received fromthe network; the printer further comprising: an image processing programmemory that stores an image processing program that performs imageprocessing on the printing data so that the printing data may beprocessed and printed by the printer, where in the processing requestingunit determines a server device with an execution environment for theimage processing based upon the ability information relating to theimage processing execution environment, and transmits the printing dataand the image processing program to the server device.
 18. The printeras set forth in of claim 11, wherein the printer queries other devicesconnected to the network concerning ability information when at leastone of the following situations occur: 1) when the printer is connectedto the network, 2) when a new device is connected to the network, or 3)when there is an ability information inquiry.
 19. The printer as setforth in claim 11, further comprising: an ability information memorythat stores ability information for each device connected to thenetwork.
 20. The printer as set forth in claim 12, further comprising;an ability information reply unit that replies with ability informationincluding at least one of the printer's own memory capacity, processingrelating to a printer language, image processing, and image processingexecution environment in response to an ability information inquiry fromanother device connected to the network; and a server processor thatperforms a given processing on printing data received from anotherprinter connected to the network, and transmits the printing data thathas undergone the given processing to the other printer in response to atransmission request from the other printer.
 21. The printer as setforth in claim 20, the server processor comprising: a conversionprocessor that converts the printing data which was received from theother printer into printing data that may be processed and printed bythe other printer.
 22. The printer as set forth in claim 21, wherein theconversion processor converts the printing data into printing data thatmay be processed and printed by the other printer, based upon the deviceinformation which was received from the other printer.
 23. The printeras set forth in claim 20, the server processor further comprising: amemory processor that receives printing data transmitted from the otherprinter and stores the printing data into the printer's own memory. 24.The printer as set froth in claim 20, the server processor furthercomprising: an image processing execution unit that receives theprinting data and the image processing program transmitted from theother device and processes the printing data using the image processingprogram.
 25. The printer as set forth in claim 11, wherein the printingdata comprises image data, or image data and a printer command.
 26. Aninformation memory medium on which is recorded information to control aprinter which can receive a printing command from a network systemincluding at least one other device, comprising; information forquerying other devices connected to the network concerning abilityinformation regarding at least one of memory capacity, processingrelating to a printer language, image processing, and image processingexecution environment; information for determining whether anotherdevice improves the printer's own functionality based upon the abilityinformation that is transmitted from the other devices connected to thenetwork in response to the ability information inquiry, and determiningthe printer's own virtual printer information based on the improvedfunctionality; information for disclosing the virtual printerinformation to the network; and, when another device which is connectedto the network has a conversion function to convert at least one of agiven printer command and a printer language to at least one of aprinter command and a printer language which can be processed by theprinter, virtual printer information indicating that at least one of thegiven printer command and the printer language can be processed by theprinter, allowing the printer to receive converted printing data andperform printing based on the converted printing data.